Wireless video display apparatus and associated method

ABSTRACT

A wireless video display apparatus and associated method for displaying an image over a display in response to video information, the wireless video display apparatus comprising a display processing module, a wireless video link, and a wireless video display module. The wireless video link transmits to the wireless video display module processed video information in response to the video information. The wireless display module displays a video image in response to the processed video information received over the wireless video link. In one aspect, a battery provides power to be used by the display.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to displays, and more particularly towireless video displays.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Video display systems are used in homes or office locations insuch applications as television, teleconferencing, etc. The complexityof such video display systems varies from a broadcast television to alarge-screen display connected to a digital computer. Displaysassociated with video display systems and computer systems havetraditionally been anchored to a single location in a room by a powercord connected to a wall outlet and a separate cable connected to therespective video box or computer. As such, video displays can only bemoved a relatively short distance from both the power outlet and therespective video box or computer as limited by the respective lengths ofthe power cord and the respective video or computer cord.

[0003] One prior-art wire-based video display system 100 as shown inFIG. 1 illustrates this limitation. The video display system 100includes a display processing module 102, a display 104, and awired-based cable 106 (the component wires of the cable are shownschematically) that is actually hard-wired. The cable 106 transfers thevideo signals and/or commands between the display processing module 102and the display 104. The display processing module 102 includes an RFtuner 108, a demodulator/forward error corrector/adaptive equalizer 112,a quadrature phase shift key (QPSK) demodulator 114, a decryptionfunction 116, a Motions Picture Expert Group (MPEG)-Version 2 decoder120, a microprocessor 122, and an on-screen display character generator124. Similar wired-based configurations exist where a computer replacesthe display processing module 102 and a computer monitor replaces thedisplay 104. In the computer configurations, the display 104 displaysgraphic images, video images, data, and/or other images.

[0004] Infrared wireless links that transfer data between laptopcomputers and the like are known. The infrared wireless links providetemporary connections that are most suited for low-bandwidthapplications such as file transfer. Additionally, the infrared wirelesslinks provide only line-of-sight data transmission. Existing infraredwireless links provide insufficient bandwidth to transmit video signalsin a persistent near-real time basis as would be required for videodisplays.

[0005] It would be desirable to provide a wireless video display thatcan be easily moved throughout a home or an office space, or eventemporarily located outdoors. It would also be desirable to provide atechnique to format a video data stream to allow for the transfer ofvideo data over a wireless video link so a video image could be viewedon a portable and wireless display.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention relates to a wireless video display systemapparatus and associated method for displaying an image over a displayin response to video information. The wireless video display systemcomprises a display processing module, a wireless video link, and awireless video display module. The wireless video link transmits to thewireless video display module processed video information in response tovideo information. The wireless display module displays a video image inresponse to the processed video information received over the wirelessvideo link. In one embodiment, a battery provides power to be used bythe display.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The drawings are incorporated into this disclosure and constitutea part of this specification, and illustrate a preferred embodiment ofthe invention. Similar elements are provided with the same referencecharacter in the disclosure.

[0008]FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of one embodiment of a prior-artwired-based video display system;

[0009]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a wireless videodisplay system of the present invention;

[0010]FIG. 3 is an enlarged block diagram of one embodiment of awireless video display module of the wireless video display system shownin FIG. 2;

[0011]FIG. 4, comprising FIGS. 4A and 4B, is a block diagram of oneembodiment of a video delivery system including a wireless video displaysystem;

[0012]FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an alternate embodiment of a displayprocessing module from that shown in FIG. 2;

[0013]FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of method providing information flowthrough the display processing module of FIGS. 5 and 7;

[0014]FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of wireless display module that isconfigured to interact with the display processing module shown in FIG.5; and

[0015]FIG. 8, comprising FIGS. 8A to 8D show various aspects andcontents of an MPEG transport stream.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

[0016] This disclosure describes multiple embodiments of wireless videodisplay system 200. One of the greatest challenges in providing awireless video display system 200 is formatting video information in aformat sufficient to carry the large amount of data necessary for video,audio, and/or data programs, while in form having a bandwidth that canbe conveyed over a wireless video link. In this disclosure, the wirelessvideo link relates to any wireless link that transmits video in additionto data, voice, audio, and any other information that is desired to betransmitted between the display processing module 204 and the wirelessvideo display module 209. This formatting is provided so the bandwidthof the video information does not overwhelm the wireless video link.Some aspects of the wireless video display system relate to compressionof the data to be transmitted over the wireless video link. Oneembodiment of formatting the video information involves providing adisplay processing module including a packet identifier (PID) filterthat passes only information, e.g. packets, relating to channelscontaining video information selected by the user. This information isthen transmitted over the wireless video link. Some aspects of thewireless video display system relate to transmitting only one, orrelatively few, video channels from the video information source to avideo display so that the total bandwidth of the few video channels isless than the bandwidth of the wireless video link.

[0017] Single Selectable Channel Video Configuration

[0018] The embodiment of wireless video display system 200 shown in FIG.2 displays a video image on a display included in a wireless videodisplay module 209. A video stream including compressed videoinformation (typically in the form of packets) is transmitted from avideo information source 202 to a wireless video display module 204 viaa display processing module 204. The wireless video display system 200includes the video information source 202, the display processing module204, a wireless video link 211, and the wireless video display module209. Video information is provided from a video information source 202,processed within a display processing module 204, and then transmittedover a wireless video link 211 to the wireless video display module 209.

[0019] Video information is typically characterized as broadband since alarge amount of data is necessary to generate the images on a videodisplay. This disclosure describes how video information can betransported over a relatively narrow bandwidth that defines, e.g., astandardized 802.11(b) wireless video link 211. The wireless videodisplay module 209 receives and displays as a video image the videoinformation transmitted over the wireless video link 211. Differentembodiments of the video information source 202 wireless video displaymodule 209, display processing module 204, and wireless video link 211are each described in this disclosure.

[0020] There are multiple embodiments of video information source 202that generate video information (i.e., video signals). For example, thevideo information source 202 could be a large scale commercial video orcable service provider that provides video information that is to beprocessed, transmitted, and eventually displayed as a video image atremote locations over video displays. In another embodiment, one thesource provider could provide one, or few, video program stations.Alternatively, the video information source could be a computer in theform of a personal computer, laptop, workstation, or server thattransmits data, graphics, or video images that are intended to beremotely viewed over such locations as a personal computer (PC), alaptop, a workstation, or other computer. The embodiments of wirelessvideo display system 200 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 applies primarily to thelatter two embodiments. The wireless video display system 200 can beconfigured to provide for the display of video or other images on adisplay screen such as the wireless video display module 209 in any ofthese embodiments.

[0021] The embodiment of display processing module 204 shown in FIG. 2includes a content processor 210, a microprocessor 212, a content keygenerator and negotiation function 213, a user-input processor 214, auser-input device 216, a wireless transceiver 217, and a power supply218. The power supply provides electrical power to the other componentsof the display processing module 204. The video information source 202transmits digital information relating to video, audio, and/or datainformation that will be received by the content processor 210 of thedisplay processing module 204. The content processor 210 provides fordigitization only if the video signal transmitted from the videoinformation source 202 is analog. Digital signals received by thecontent processor 210 from the video information source 202 do notrequire digitization. The content processor 210 also provides encodingand encryption as necessary for the signals including video information(i.e., video, audio, and/or data) received from the video informationsource 202. The content processor 210 encrypts signals received from thevideo information source 202 to provide security to the content ofsignals transmitted from the wireless transceiver 217 over the wirelessvideo link 211 to the wireless video display module 209. The contentprocessor 210 may also provide for forward error correction of videoinformation transmitted over the wireless video link 211.

[0022] The content processor 210 is configured in the embodiment shownin FIG. 2 to allow for user input using user input over the user-inputdevice 216 (to be processed by user-input processor 214). Such userinput may be provided to select a particular video, run an applicationprogram, interact with a program or application, or provide any of theinteractive processes that may be involved between a user and a video orcomputer system. The microprocessor 212 controls the response of theuser-input components 214 and 216 to user input.

[0023] The microprocessor 212 controls the general operation, componentinteraction, and communications between the distinct components 210,213, 214, 216, and 217 within the display processing module 204. Themicroprocessor 212, the content processor 210, and the user-inputprocessor 214 may each be configured as any microprocessor,microcomputer, on-circuit chip, or other computer device that cancontrol the operation of one or more different components of the displayprocessing module 204 within the wireless video display system 200. Themicroprocessor 212 does not have to provide for the additionalprocessing and separate operation associated with the display processingmodule 204 since the display processing module 204 has its own displayprocessor 313. The microprocessor 212 controls the encoding/encryptionprocess to the wireless transceiver 217. The microprocessor 212 isresponsive to user input via the user-input device 216 and theuser-input processor 214. Although the microprocessors 212, the contentprocessor 210, and the user-input processor 214 are shown as discreteprocessors, it is envisioned that certain ones of, or all of, theprocessors 210, 212, and 214 may share a single actual physicalprocessor.

[0024] The user-input device 216 may include a keypad, a mouse, ajoystick, or other such device that receives input from the user. Theuser-input device sends user input to the content processor 210 via theuser-input processor 214 and the microprocessor 212 to control theprocess within the display processing module 204. The user-input device216 is shown as being integrated in the display processing module 204.It is envisioned that a portion of the user-input device 216 mayalternatively be physically located externally to the display processingmodule 204. The user-input device may even be physically associated withthe wireless video display module 209.

[0025] The wireless video link 211 negotiates a secure high-speedconnection between the display processing module 204 and the wirelessvideo display module 209. In one embodiment, the wireless video link 211complies with the IEEE 802.11(b) standard. It is envisioned any type ofwireless video link that can carry suitable data rate and can beconfigured to carry formatted video information is within the intendedscope of the present invention. The packets carried by the wirelessvideo link 211 are preferably compressed (e.g., by MPEG compression).The display processing module 204 delivers its video information andsignal output to the wireless video link 211 in MPEG compressed form,using a valid packet-based wireless data stream that can be processed bythe wireless video display module 209.

[0026] The integrated controls 346 shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3 mayalternatively be located in either the wireless video display module 209or the display processing module 204 in different embodiments of thewireless video display system 200. The integrated controls 346 include,e.g., cursor and selection functions. For example, a mouse and/orjoystick may be included in the wireless video display module 209whereby a user can, respectively, move a cursor across the screen of thedisplay 330 to provide user input or select an input based on thelocation of a cursor. The drivers associated with the mouse, joystick,etc., are loaded in the suitable processor. When the cursor ispositioned in a desired location, and the user wishes to make aselection, the user can press the selection key that selects a functionbased on the location of the cursor. Such cursor and selection controlsare especially desirable if the display 330 is being used to processdata or make user-input selections such as with, for example, a personalcomputer, laptop, video, and/or video game.

[0027]FIG. 2 also shows one embodiment of a wireless video link 211 thatextends between the wireless transceiver 217 (shown in the embodiment ofdisplay processing module 204 of FIG. 2) and the wireless transceiver342 (shown in the embodiment of wireless video display module 209 ofFIG. 3). The wireless video link 211 may be established so thatcommunications between the wireless transceiver 217 and the wirelesstransceiver 342 are established via the known media access control (MAC)addresses. Any packet included in the video signals transmitted from thewireless transceiver 217 over the high-speed wireless IEEE 802.11(b)link will contain the MAC address of the wireless transceiver 342, andvice versa. As such, the MAC address of the wireless transceiver 217will be programmed into the wireless transceiver 342, and the MACaddress of the wireless transceiver 342 will be programmed into thewireless transceiver 217.

[0028] The wireless transceiver 217 accepts encoded information from thecontent processor 210. The wireless transceiver applies link-level errorcorrection and modulation (e.g., as per IEEE standard 802.11(b)). Thewireless transceiver 217 can also receive user-input control signalsfrom the wireless video display module 209 and deliver the controlsignals to the user-input processor 214. The user-input receivedalternatively as a control signal from the wireless video display module209 or user input transmitted to the user-input device 216 is input tothe user-input processor 214 to indicate the desired programming. Theuser control signal is, accordingly, transmitted from the user-inputprocessor 214 to the microprocessor 212 and/or the appropriate componentin the display processing module so that the proper signals and actionscan be applied to the content processor 210.

[0029] A slightly different method of operation by the wireless videodisplay system 200 would be followed if the display processing module204 were configured as a computer. Suppose a computer user inputs acommand, such as a request to receive video over the Internet. In suchinstances, the user input would be applied to the user input processor214 either from the user-input device 216, or as a command signal fromthe wireless video display module 209 via the wireless video link 211and the wireless transceiver 217 to the user input processor 214. Underthese circumstances, the user input (as provided by a URL request, forexample) would be transmitted over line 220 to the video informationsource 202 that would be configured as a remote computer or server. Theremote computer or server would return the requested information such asvideo, data, images, audio, etc., to the content processor 210. Thecontent processor 210 would then forward the packets received from thevideo information source 202 over the wireless transceiver 217 to thewireless video display module 209. This embodiment of a method performedby the display processing module 204 by requesting video from a remotevideo information source 202 involves user input being transmitted tothe video information source 202 to control the requested video to bedisplayed over the display processing module 204.

[0030] The content key generator and negotiation function 213 providesfor encryption of the video signal transmitted between the displayprocessing module 204 and the content key generator and negotiationfunction 343 of the embodiment of wireless video display module 209shown in FIG. 3. One embodiment of the encryption between the twocontent key generator and the negotiation functions 213, 343 relies onpublic key encryption. Two known embodiments of public key encryptionare Diffie-Helman and RSA, although any type of encryption techniquethat is applicable to video, data, audio, etc., is within the scope ofthe present invention. One purpose of the encryption between the twocontent key generator and negotiation functions 213, 343 is to limitaccess to video, audio, data, or other information that is beingtransmitted over the wireless video link 211 by unintended, undesired,or unauthorized third parties that would otherwise be allowed by thethird parties intercepting the information being transmitted over thewireless video link 211.

[0031] The wireless video display module 209 includes elements thatinteract to receive a video signal from a video information source 202over the wireless video link 211 that will be displayed as video over adisplay 330. The display 330 may be a plasma display, a cathode-ray tubedisplay, a light emitting diode (LED) display, a television, or anothersuch display.

[0032]FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of the wireless video display module209 that interacts with the embodiment of the display processing module204 shown in FIG. 2. The wireless video display module 209 includes adecryption function 310, an optional MPEG decoder 312 (depending onwhether the content processor 210 provides an MPEG compressed datastream), a content key generator and negotiation function 343, a displayprocessor 313, an on-screen display character generator 314, a battery344, a wireless transceiver 342, integrated controls 346, and thedisplay 330. Certain elements may be located in either the displayprocessing module 204 and/or the wireless video display module 209. Forexample, the display processing module 204 and/or the wireless videodisplay module 209 may include the user-input device 216.

[0033] The elements in the wireless video display module 209 interact toreceive a video signal over the wireless video link 211 that will bedisplayed as a video image over the display 330. The wireless videodisplay module 209 includes the decryption function 310 that decryptsthe signal originally encrypted by the by the content processor 210. Thememory 352 stores programs and data associated with the generaloperation of the wireless display module 209 that are used by thedisplay processor 313. In the wireless video display module 209, thedecryption function 310 decrypts the signal originally encrypted withinthe display processing module 204. The decryption function 310 providesthe functions necessary for decrypting digital signals and providingclear video signals to subscribers.

[0034] The content key generator and negotiation function 343 receiveskeys (using the public key system) from the content key generator andnegotiation function 213 shown in FIG. 2 using such public key or fixedencryption as Diffie-Helman or RSA. In certain embodiments, fixedmatching encryption keys may be inserted in the wireless display moduleand the display processing module 102. The encryption provided by thecontent key generator and negotiation function 343 limits eavesdroppingon the signals transmitted over the wireless video link 211 byunintended third parties.

[0035] The integrated controls 346 of the wireless video display module209 may control the audio and/or video displayed over the display 330.The integrated controls 346 may also allow the user to select a channelcarrying a service remotely from the wireless video display module 209.Parts of the integrated controls 346 may be located within the wirelessvideo display system 200 within either the display processing module204, the wireless video display module 209, or at some other locationsuch as a remote control device. User selections to the integratedcontrols 346 are converted to control signals that are transmitted fromthe wireless video display system 200 to the wireless transceiver 342,and are transmitted in wireless form over the wireless video link 211 tothe wireless transceiver 217.

[0036] The wireless video display module 209 further includes anintegrated battery 344. One embodiment of the integrated batteryincludes a commercially available rechargeable battery. The rechargeablebattery in one embodiment may be the type of battery commercially usedin laptop computers. The power required to power wireless video displaymodule 209 should be less than that required to power comparable laptopcomputers since the former requires a smaller memory. Arechargeable/replaceable battery would therefore provide longer viewingthan similarly powered laptop computers. The power of the battery issufficient to generate video, audio, and/or data over the display 330.It is envisioned that both the wireless transceiver 342 and the battery344 could be encased within a physical casing of the display 330.

[0037] The embodiment of wireless video display module 209 shown in FIG.3 also includes a video output 331, an audio output 332, a data output334, and a user input 336. Video information is transmitted from theMPEG decoder 312 (in those embodiments that include an MPEG decoder)over the video output 331 to the display 330. The MPEG decoder 312decompresses the MPEG compressed digital (video+audio+data) signals.MPEG decoders are commercially available and their operation isgenerally defined by the MPEG protocol that is standardized. The MPEGdisplay outputs an analog signal. The MPEG protocol involves thecombined compression techniques for video and audio. Audio and data aretransmitted from the MPEG decoder 312 in the display 330 over the audiooutput 332 and the data output 334, respectively. Upon receipt of therespective video, data, and audio signals over the respective outputs331, 332, 334, the video, audio, and data are used as appropriate by thedisplay 330 of the wireless video display module 209.

[0038] The on-screen display character generator 314 provides variousgraphics or comments that can be displayed on the display 330. Examplesof comments that can be periodically input by the user on the display330 include, e.g., channel, network selection, and other desired imagesthat are provided by the on-screen display character generator 314. Theoutput of the on-screen display character generator 314 is output viavideo outline 331 the wireless video display module 209 to be displayedon the display 330.

[0039] The wireless video display module 209 associated with thewireless video link 211 configuration would be especially useful if thesize and weight of the wireless video display module 209 were maderelatively small and light. As such, typical uses of the wireless videodisplay module 209 could easily manually pick up the wireless videodisplay module 209 and move it within a room, between rooms, or about adwelling or workspace. The wireless video display modules 209 could alsobe taken outdoors as long as the distance between the wirelesstransceiver 217 and the wireless transceiver 342 remains within thelimits required to maintain an adequate signal over the wireless link211.

[0040] The embodiment of wireless video display system 200 shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 provides for a secure wireless video link 211 establishedbetween the wireless video display module 209 and the display processingmodule 204. The wireless video display module 209 processes the incomingdata, decrypts the data, performs MPEG data decompression, and performspresentation control functions with respect to the display 330. Thewireless video display system 200 provides for suitable viewingcharacteristics of whatever video, application program, or otherdisplayed program that is being displayed. The wireless video displaysystem 200 may display the programming service and selected audio overthe display. The display 330 provides video and audio controls(contrast, volume, bass, treble, etc.) that may be adjusted by the user.

[0041] Since the MPEG decoder 312 is located in the wireless videodisplay module 209 and not the display processing module 204, any MPEGcompressed audio/video signal transmitted over the wireless video link211 between the wireless transceiver 217 and the wireless transceiver342 will be MPEG compressed to reduce data rate required for the signalcontent. Similarly, the content key generator and negotiation functions343 and 213 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 2, respectively) provide forencryption of the information transmitted over the wireless video link211. As soon as the compressed audio/video signals are received, theyare decrypted 310, then decompressed by the MPEG decoder 312 and thevideo/audio signals will be of sufficient quality to be displayed on thedisplay 330 in the wireless video display module 209.

[0042] The embodiment of wireless video display system 200 shown inFIGS. 2, 3, and 5 may provide a variety of viewing options. In oneembodiment, the display processing module 204 may be fashioned as aset-top box and the display 330 would be used similarly to present dayvideo television displays. Alternatively, the display processing module204 may be fashioned as a video card integrated in a computer such as apersonal computer or workstation, and the wireless video display module209 may be used similarly to present-day computers having video cards orteleconferencing systems. It is envisioned that the embodiment ofwireless video display system 200 may be configured to provide for avariety of such diverse applications. The above embodiment of wirelessvideo display system 200 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 provides a somewhatgeneric version that can be applied to either computer or set-topapplications.

[0043] Multiple Selectable Channel Video Configuration

[0044] The embodiment of prior-art wire-based video display system 100shown in FIG. 1 relies on a continuous broadband channel that extendsfrom the video information source (the source that outputs videoinformation to the RF tuner 108) to the display 104. In certaincommercial embodiments of prior-art wire-based video display systems,customers can order tens, or even hundreds, of video programs from aservice provider. The embodiment of display processing module 204 ofFIG. 2 using a wireless video link having a limited bandwidth, such asstandardized by 802.11(b), provides one channel (or at the most a fewchannels) of video information transmitted by a video information source202 as a video image on a wireless video display module 209. Theembodiments of wireless video link 211 are not sufficient to providesuch broadband video communications. In commercial settings, alternateembodiments of video information source and display processing moduleare desired that are capable of, respectively, sending and receivingmore than one video channel.

[0045]FIG. 4 (comprising FIGS. 4A and 4B) shows an embodiment of a videodelivery system 400 that delivers video information to be displayed inthe embodiment of display processing module 432 shown in FIG. 5. Thevideo delivery system 400/display processing module 432 combinationallows a user to select between a large number (tens or hundreds) ofvideo services (such as HBO™, Showtime™, etc.) over a similar number ofchannels. The selected video information is formatted to allowtransmission of the selected video information over a wireless videolink according to the, for example, 802.11(b) standard or other wirelesscommunication protocol.

[0046] The display processing module can provide a similar number ofvideo channels to its customers as the prior-art wire-based videodisplay system 100 over a wireless video link 211 to a wireless videodisplay system 200. The video delivery system 400 may be viewed as oneembodiment of video information source 202 shown in FIG. 2. The videodelivery system 400 provides a video signal to be received by, anddisplayed by, the wireless video display system 200. The wireless videodisplay system 200 includes a display processing module 432 connected toa wireless video display module 209 via a wireless video link 211. Thewireless video display module 209 includes a display 330 that displaysvideo (and perhaps data) and projects audio. The display 330 may be aplasma display, a cathode-ray tube display, a light emitting dioxide(LED) display, a television, or another such display.

[0047] The FIG. 4 embodiment of video delivery system 400 issatellite-based. The structure and apparatus of an embodiment of thewireless video display module 209 that connects to the displayprocessing module 432 using a wireless video link 211 is also described.The video delivery system 400 comprises an uplink facility 402, asatellite 404, a downlink facility 406, a headend 408, a digitaladdressable controller (DAC) 446, a key list server 448, a modem 444, aportserver 450, and a business system 412. In the video delivery system400, programming (including a variety of services over multiplechannels) is provided at the uplink facility 402. Video, audio, and datasignals are transmitted from the uplink 402 via an array of satellites404 to the downlink 406 and the headend 408. Multiple headends 408 arelocated around the world and are positioned to provide for reception ofvideo, audio, or data signals that can be accessed by a large number ofcustomers. Video signals received the downlink 406 are generally weak inaddition to being encoded. Therefore the signals require amplificationto provide for direct disbursement of video, audio, and other servicesto the wireless video display system 200.

[0048] Each headend 408 includes an integrated receiver transcoder (IRT)414, an upconverter 416, a radio frequency (RF) combiner 418, a diplexfilter 420, a cable plant 480, a return path demodulator 422, a headendconfiguration tool 440, an Ethernet hub 442, and an out-of-bandmodulator (OM) 426. Both the video signals transmitted from theuplink/facility 402 to the integrated receiver transcoder 414 and thevideo signals transmitted from the integrated receiver transcoder 414 tothe display processing module 432 are encoded (typically using differentencoding) to limit nonpaying individuals from accessing free service.Such video signals transmit services provided by service providers thatoffer such services as Home Box Office (HBO™), Cable News Network(CNN™), etc. The integrated receiver transcoder 414 receives quadraturephase shift-key (QPSK) modulated input from the downlink 406, andtranscodes the signal to a 64 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM)signal. Quadrature amplitude modulation is a double sideband datamodulation technique used to convert digital program information forsuitable delivery over the in-band frequencies of cable televisionsystems. Quadrature amplitude modulation also permits an increase in theamount of data that may be carried by that signal. The integratedreceiver transcoder 414 also decrypts the satellite signal, and thenre-encrypts the signal using a different encryption and using adifferent signal encryption scheme. The re-encrypted signal may beamplified in the integrated receiver transcoder 414 (in addition to atthe upconvertor 416) to provide sufficient strength to the video signalfor cable distribution.

[0049] In one embodiment, the upconverter 416 receives a 64 quadratureamplitude modulation modulated input, and converts it to a sufficientlystrong RF signal that can be transmitted via the RF combiner 418, thediplex filter 420, the cable plant 480, and the display processingmodule 432 to the wireless video display module 209. The RF combiner 418combines multiple input streams from headends 408 onto a single RFoutput. The diplex filter 420 is a combination high-low bandpass filterthat allows only those signals within a prescribed frequency bandwidthto pass to the wireless video display system 200. The filter allowssignals to pass either in a forward or return direction (indicatedrespectively by the F and the R in FIG. 4A) depending on the frequencyof the signal. Therefore, signals transmitted from the RF combiner 418to the display processing module 432 will be transmitted within a set offorward frequency bands. Any signal having a frequency corresponding tothe forward frequency band will be allowed to pass via the diplex filter420 via the cable plant 480 to the display processing module 432, butwill be limited from passing along the return path R. By comparison,signals passing from the display processing module 432 to the returnpath demodulator 422 in the return direction as indicated by the letterR will be transmitted within a set of return frequency bands. Any signalpassing through the cable plant 480 to the diplex filter 420 that has afrequency corresponding to the return frequency band will be allowed topass to the return path demodulator 422 in the return direction R.

[0050] The video delivery system 400 is capable of delivering videoservice to the wireless video display system 200 including both thedisplay processing module 432 and the wireless video display module 209.The out-of-band modulator 426 converts the controlled data digitalstream to an RF output signal that is transmitted to customers using thewireless video display system 200. The return path demodulator 422receives, demodulates, and processes return signals from the displayprocessing module 432 via the cable plant 480 and the diplex filter 420to the Ethernet hub 442 delivery to the DAC 446. The headendconfiguration tool 440, that is typically arranged as a PC, interfaceswith the Ethernet hub 442 so a person can adjust the configuration andsettings of certain components in the headend.

[0051] The business (or billing) system 412 is a computer system thatincludes a memory/program forming a database of subscribers, theirservices, and their respective set top box configurations. The businesssystem 412 generates subscriber bills and from time to time isphysically connected to DAC 446, which in turn is connected to acustomer set-top box. Certain embodiments of digital addressablecontroller 446 authorize display processing modules 432 for service. Thekey list server 448 verifies the digital addressable controller 446 andacts to ensure system security. The key list server 448 is used todeliver encrypted keys to headends 408.

[0052] The embodiment of display processing module 432 shown in FIG. 5is configured to interact with the embodiment of wireless video displaymodule 209 shown in FIG. 7. The wireless video display module 209 shownin FIG. 7 includes a decryption function 310, an MPEG decoder 312, adisplay processor 313, an on-screen display character generator 314, abattery 344, a wireless transceiver 342, integrated controls 346, andthe display 330. The components of the embodiment of wireless videodisplay module 209 shown in FIG. 7 are similar to the correspondingcomponents of the embodiment of wireless video display module 209 shownin FIG. 3, except that there is no content key generator and negotiationfunction 343 in the embodiment of display processing module 432 shown inFIG. 5 (as there was in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3) since theencryption function is provided for by IRT 414.

[0053] The wireless video link (for example the 802.11(b)) is configuredto carry less video information than traditionally conveyed over thehard-wired connection shown in the prior-art embodiment of displayprocessing module 102 shown in FIG. 1. The embodiment of displayprocessing module 432 shown in FIG. 5 uses the combination of the RFtuner 502 and PID filter 504 shown in FIG. 5 to select only those videochannels, audio channels, data channels, and other information channelsselected by the user. Only information related to the selected videochannel and/or program is transmitted across the wireless video link211. This limits the amount of video information transferred from thedisplay processing module 204 to the wireless video display module 209across the wireless video link 211 in those embodiments shown in FIGS. 5and 7 to only the service selected by the user reduces the bandwidthapplied to the wireless video link 211 to an amount that can be conveyedusing existing wireless (e.g., 802.11(b)) technology.

[0054] There are three signals related to the display processing module432 that are now described. The signals may take different forms atdifferent locations along their paths. For example, a signal may beencoded, compressed, decompressed, etc., in a manner that changes thecontent of the signals. The three signals are referred to as a videocontent signal, an authorization signal, and an impulse-program signal.The video content signal includes video, data, audio, and otherinformation transmitted from the uplink 402 to the display processingmodule 432 and the wireless video display module 209. This video contentsignal is initially transmitted from the uplink 402 to the downlink 406in the headend 408.

[0055] All of the programming services (e.g., HBO™, CNN™, etc.) thateach one of the users/display processing modules can subscribe to overthe wireless display system (that is provided by the system provider)will be transmitted to each one of the display processing modules 432over the video content signal. As such, each display processing modulethat subscribes to a particular service provider will likely receiveidentical video content signals. The display processing modulesthereupon operate to allow only those portions of the video contentsignal that each specific user is authorized to view to pass through thedisplay processing module 432 to the wireless video display module 209.The video content signal may contain audio, video, data, and/or otherinformation that is typically encrypted and/or encoded. From thedownlink 406, the video content signal is transmitted via the integratedreceiver transcoder 414 via the upconverter 416, which changes thefrequency of the transport multiplex. The signal carrying the transportmultiplex continues to the RF combiner 418, which combines with otherlike signals containing transport multiplexes, and delivers to thediplex filter 420, (and the cable plant 480, the display providingmodule 432, and 211) through the cable plant 480 to the wireless videodisplay module 209.

[0056] Within the display processing module 432, the video contentinformation is processed to generate the video and/or audio signals thatare further provided to the wireless video display module 209 anddisplay 330. The wireless video display module 209 is electronicallyconfigured such that the video signal is supplied from the displayprocessing module 432 to the wireless video display module 209. Thewireless video display module 209 may include a display 330 such as atelevision display, a flat panel display, a plasma display, acathode-ray tube display, a light emitting diode (LED) display, etc.

[0057] The second signal that the display processing module 432 isassociated with is referred to as an authorization signal. Theauthorization signal indicates those programs that each user has paidfor and is entitled to view. The authorization signal is based on a userordering a service from a cable provider. The business system 412relates to business aspects of the cable provider. The user typicallyphysically telephones, mails, or in some other manner interacts with thecable provider physically located at the business system 412 to order aspecific service. Service personnel employed by the cable provider, andlocated at the business system 412, input orders to the digitaladdressable controller 446, which determines the authorization for eachuser. Once the authorization for each user is determined, the digitaladdressable controller 446 outputs an authorization signal that iseventually received at each participating display processing module 432.

[0058] The authorization signal includes a periodically repeatingindication for each display processing module 432 of the services eachdisplay processing module 432 is authorized from the services includedin the video content information. The authorization signal is initiallygenerated by the digital addressable controller 446 and is thereupontransmitted via the Ethernet hub 442 to the out-of-band modulator 426.The out-of-band modulator 426 modulates the authorization signal andtransmits the signal to the RF combiner 418. The RF combiner 418combines the authorization signal with other signals (e.g., otherauthorization signals and/or other video content signals), and forwardsthe combined signals via the diplex filter 420 via the cable plant 480to the display processing module 432. The display processing module 432,based on the authorized service indicated by the authorization signalrelating to that particular user, allows filtering using the receivedvideo content signal to provide only those programs that the user isauthorized to access.

[0059] The third type of signal that the display processing module 432is associated with is referred to as an impulse-program signal.Impulse-program signals relate to programs that are ordered shortlybefore they air, or become available, by a user over the displayprocessing module 432. Examples of impulse-programs include sportingevents and recently released movies. Movies, video games, Internetservice, etc., ordered by hotel guests are another example of servicesordered using impulse-program signals. Impulse-programs may be orderedusing the display processing module 432. There are two possible pathsfor impulse-program signals. The first possible path for orderingimpulse-program signals is from the display processing module 432directly via a modem 444 and the portserver 450 to the digitaladdressable controller 446. The second possible path for impulse-programsignals is from display processing module 432 via the cable plant 480 tothe diplex filter 420, to the return path demodulator 422 and theEthernet hub 442 to the digital addressable controller 446. Regardlessof which path is followed for the impulse-program signal, theauthorization of the user is changed in response to the digitaladdressable controller receiving the impulse-program signal. The newlygenerated authorization signals will reflect the changes for that usercorresponding to the impulse-program signal.

[0060] Another embodiment of display processing module 204 differentfrom that shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2 is the display processingmodule 432 embodiment shown in FIG. 5. The display processing module 432includes an RF tuner 502, a quadrature amplitude modulationdemodulator/forward error corrector/adaptive equalizer 506, a PID filter504, a quadrature phase shift key demodulator 508, a display processingmodule microprocessor 516, a user input 520, and a wireless transceiver217. The RF tuner 502 may be directed to a specific frequency to acquirea specific MPEG transport stream. Subsequently, the PID filter 504 isused to provide selective filtering of the video, audio, and dataprovided by the video information source processor to the displayprocessing module 204 over the wireless video link. For example, if theuser selects a different channel (each channel carrying a distinctservice) as input to the user-input processor 214 and the microprocessor212, the different channel results in the microprocessor changing thesettings of the RF tuner 502 (if the selected program is assigned to adifferent RF frequency).

[0061] The display processing module 432 communicates to the wirelessvideo display module 209 shown in FIG. 3 (as described above) via thewireless video link 211. There are several components that may belocated in the display processing module 432 and/or the wireless videodisplay module 209. For example, in one embodiment of the wireless videodisplay system 200, both the display processing module 432 and thewireless video display module 209 are configured to include a tuner anda processor so either the display processing module and the wirelessvideo display module may provide these functions.

[0062] The display processing module 432 receives the video contentsignal from the cable plant 480, and processes and converts the videocontent signal into a form that can be transmitted over the wirelessvideo link 211 to the wireless video display module 209. The RF tuner502 selects the frequency of the signal to be received by the displayprocessing module 432, and thereby selects a channel that will bedisplayed on the display 330 of the wireless video display module 209.The demodulator/forward error corrector/adaptive equalizer 506 includesa demodulator portion, a forward error corrector portion, and anadaptive equalizer portion, the output is MPEG compressed format.

[0063] The operation of the PID filter 504 and the MPEG transport stream800 to limit the bandwidth transmitted over the wireless video link 211is now described. FIG. 8A shows one embodiment of the MPEG transportstream 800 that carries information relating to a PID table. Thetransport stream is filtered by the PID filter 504 shown in FIG. 5 topass only packets corresponding to the selected program PIDS from alarge variety of video channels, that are to be transmitted over thewireless video link 211. Each MPEG transport stream 800 is formed from aplurality of packets 802. One exemplary MPEG packet 802 shown in FIG. 8Aincludes a packet header 804 as shown in FIG. 8B.

[0064] MPEG is a standard describing video/audio compression, and MPEG-2is the standard that applied the MPEG standard to such systems asset-top boxes. MPEG-2 transmits its transport stream data in packets of188 bytes each. A transport stream is a series of transport streampackets 802, including standard tables that define the content of thetransport stream. One embodiment of system information packets isincluded in the MPEG transport stream 800. The system informationpackets indicate to the display processing module 432 information aboutthe format of the transmission along with information such as multiplelanguage selections, program guide information and other types ofinformation about the transport stream.

[0065] The first part of the system information packets, of which aprogram association table (PAT) 810 shown in FIG. 8C and a program maptable (PMT) 820 shown in FIG. 8D are examples. FIGS. 8A and 8D indicateshow the information relating to the PMT 820 is interpreted. The PATtable 810 may be considered as a table of contents of an MPEG transportstream 800. The PAT table 810 carries program specific information (PSI)and is built when an MPEG transport stream 800 is created at themultiplexor, which interleaves packets from the numerous PID streams toform the transport stream. The PAT table 810 contains multiplexdefinition information, is typically transmitted on PID 0000, andcontains a list of PMT 820 that are included as part of the MPEGtransport stream 800. The PAT tables 810 provide an index of servicesthat are carried by the MPEG transport stream 800 (e.g., HBO™, NBC™,etc.), and the PAT tables 810 are inserted in the MPEG transport stream800 several times per second.

[0066] The PAT tables completely define the content available in theMPEG transport stream 800. A 13-bit field in the transport packet headercontains a Packet Identifier (PID) that uniquely identifies each streamand distinguish between packets containing different types ofinformation. The PID indicates to the wireless display module 209 whatto do with each packet. PIDs are a component of the MPEG specification.Aspects of the PID are used by the PID filter 504 to limit the bandwidthof the video data that is transmitted over the wireless video link 211.A PID number is assigned to each MPEG transport stream packet toidentify the data string to which it belongs. The PID number is assignedin the packet header, and all packets from the same string have the samePID number. PID0 provides multiplex definition information for thetransport multiplex via the PMT. PID1 and selected other PID point to adata stream containing access control information.

[0067]FIG. 8D shows one example of a PID table 820 that includes, e.g.,the “ShowTime™” program. An MPEG transport stream may contain one ormore independent, individual programs, such as individual televisionchannels or television programs, where each individual program can haveits own time base, and each stream making up an individual program hasits own PID. Each separate individual program has one or more elementarystreams that generally share a common time base. In a given MPEGtransport stream 800, all packets belonging to a given elementary streamwill have the same PID. Packets in another elementary stream will haveanother PID. For example, the elementary stream containing the codedvideo data for a network television program may be assigned a PID of“801”; the elementary stream containing the associated audio data forthat program may be assigned a PID of “802” in English and “803” inSpanish, the elementary stream containing the associated data for thatprogram may be assigned a PID of “804”, etc. The PID filter 504 shown inFIG. 5 can act as a demultiplexer to select all data for a givenelementary stream simply by accepting only packets with the correct PID.Data for an entire program can be selected using the appropriate PIDsincluded in the MPEG transport stream for video, audio, data, and anyother type of information.

[0068] The PID filter 504 passes only those packets associated with adesired service from the demodulator/forward error corrector/adaptiveequalizer 506 to the wireless transceiver 217. Therefore, assume that auser selects a prescribed video service such as, e.g., HBO™ or CNN™. ThePID filter 504 will initially view the PID table that provides the PIDtable values for the user-selected video service. The PID tablecorresponding to the selected video service will include the PIDaddresses associated with the video, audio, data, etc. corresponding tothe user selected program. The wireless transceiver 217 then transmitsonly the video, audio, and data to the wireless transceiver 342 in thewireless video display module 209 via the wireless video link 211 thatcorresponds to the user selected program.

[0069] The display processing module microprocessor 516 controls,regulates, and provides user input to the other components in thedisplay processing module 432. The display processor 313 controls,regulates, and provides user input to the other components in thewireless video display module 209. In one embodiment, the displayprocessing module microprocessor 516 receives information from the userinput 520, such as a channel selection, contrast selection, etc. Thedisplay processing module microprocessor 516 and the display processor313 may each be configured as any microprocessor, microcomputer,on-circuit chip, or other computer device that can control the operationof the different components of the respective display processing module432 or the wireless video display system 200.

[0070]FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of the information flow through thedisplay processing module. The video delivery system 400, shown in FIG.4 delivers a broadband signal to the display processing module 204 (ordisplay processing module 432) in step 602. The display processingmodule 204 functions applied at step 604 are performed by the embodimentof display processing module 204 shown in FIG. 2, and by the embodimentof display processing module 432 shown in FIG. 5. The decryption and theMPEG decoding functions that are performed in prior art displayprocessing modules are not performed in the display processing module ofthe present invention, but instead are performed in the wireless videodisplay module 209. In the embodiment of display processing module 432shown in FIG. 5, the PID filter 504 filters only those video programsrequested by the user to transmit over the wireless video link. In otherwords, the PID filter 504 formats the data to a bandwidth that can betransmitted over the wireless video link 211. In step 606, the wirelessvideo link 211 (in association with the associated wireless transceivers217 and 342) delivers a wireless signal including the selected programfrom display processing module 204 to the wireless video display module209.

[0071] In step 612 of FIG. 6, the wireless transceiver 342 performswireless video link signal processing. The wireless video link signalprocessing includes amplifying the wireless video signal to a levelsuitable for processing within the wireless video display module 209,signal filtering, etc. The decryption function 310 shown in FIG. 3applies selective programs to the video signal in step 614. Theselective programs are stored in a memory 352 within the wireless videodisplay module 209. The MPEG decoder 312 of the wireless video displaymodule 209 performs MPEG processing in step 616 to yield a decompressedselective program signal. The display 330 of the wireless video displaymodule 209 displays the decompressed selected video program in step 618.

[0072] While the principles of the invention have been described abovein connection with the specific apparatus and associated method, it isto be clearly understood that this description is made only by way ofexample and not as a limitation on the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wireless video display system for displaying avideo image in response to video information generated by a contentsource, the wireless video display system comprising: a displayprocessing module for generating processed video information in responseto the video information; a wireless video display module including adisplay; and a wireless video link for transmitting the processed videoinformation from the display processing module to the wireless videodisplay module, wherein the wireless video display module displays thevideo image over the display in response to the processed videoinformation.
 2. The wireless video display system of claim 1, furthercomprising a battery for providing power to the display.
 3. The wirelessvideo display system of claim 1, wherein the video information iscompressed video information, further comprising a decompression devicefor generating decompressed video information, wherein the wirelessvideo display displays the video image in response to the decompressedvideo information.
 4. The wireless video display system of claim 1,wherein the video information is compressed using Motions Picture ExpertGroup (MPEG) compression techniques.
 5. The wireless video displaysystem of claim 1, wherein the wireless video link complies with theIEEE 802.11(b) standard.
 6. The wireless video display system of claim1, wherein the wireless video link provides a secure connection, inwhich data being transferred is encrypted, over which the videoinformation is received by the wireless video link.
 7. The wirelessvideo display system of claim 1, further comprising a decryption devicefor decrypting the video signal.
 8. The wireless video display system ofclaim 1, further comprising audio controls.
 9. The wireless videodisplay system of claim 1, further comprising display controls.
 10. Thewireless video display system of claim 1, further comprising cursorfunctions.
 11. The wireless video display system of claim 1, furthercomprising selection functions.
 12. The wireless video display system ofclaim 1, wherein the display processing module negotiates the wirelessvideo link as a high speed wireless video link.
 13. The wireless videodisplay system of claim 1, wherein the wireless video display moduletransmits channel tuning commands to the display processing module. 14.The wireless video display system of claim 1, wherein the videoinformation generated by the content source has too large a bandwidth tobe transmitted over the wireless video link, and the display processingmodule formats the processed video information to allow it to betransmitted over a wireless video link.
 15. The wireless video displaysystem of claim 14, wherein the display processing module furthercomprising a packet identifier (PID) filter that filters out informationnot selected by the user from the processed video information that istransmitted over the wireless video link.
 16. A method comprising:formatting video information in a form that can be transmitted over awireless video link.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein videoinformation generated by the content source has too large of a bandwidthto be transmitted over the wireless video link, and the displayprocessing module formats the processed video information to allow it tobe transmitted over a wireless video link.
 18. The method of claim 17,further comprising a packet identifier (PID) filter that filters outinformation not selected by the user from the processed videoinformation that is transmitted over the wireless video link.
 19. Awireless video display system, further comprising: A display processingmodule to format video information to be transmitted as processed videoinformation over a wireless video link, the display processing modulefurther comprising: A content processor that processes the videoinformation into processed video information, the content processorencodes, encrypts, and forward error corrects the video information. 20.The wireless video display system of claim 19, further comprising auser-input device that controls the processing of the video informationinto processed video information.
 21. The wireless video display systemof claim 19, further comprising a wireless video display module, whereinthe display processing module transmits processed video information tothe wireless video display module over the wireless video link.
 22. Thewireless video display system of claim 21, wherein the displayprocessing module farther comprises a first content key generator andnegotiation function and the wireless video display module comprises asecond content key generator and negotiation function, and wherein thefirst content key generator and negotiation function and the secondcontent key generator and negotiation function are used to provide asecure connection over the wireless video link.
 23. The wireless videodisplay system of claim 21, wherein the display processing modulefurther comprises a data decompression device.
 24. The wireless videodisplay system of claim 21, wherein the display processing modulefurther comprises a decryption function.
 25. A wireless video displaysystem, further comprising: A display processing module to format videoinformation containing a large number of channels of video informationto be transmitted as processed video information over a wireless videolink, the display processing module further comprising: A tuner thatfilters the number of channels in the processed video informationrelative to the number of channels in the video information; and A PIDfilter that selects the video information to be filtered to produce theprocessed video information.
 26. The wireless video display system ofclaim 25, further comprising a user-input device that controls theprocessing of the video information into processed video information.27. The wireless video display system of claim 25, further comprising awireless video display module, wherein the display processing moduletransmits processed video information to the wireless video displaymodule over the wireless video link.
 28. The wireless video displaysystem of claim 25, wherein the display processing module furthercomprises a data decompression device.
 29. The wireless video displaysystem of claim 25, wherein the display processing module furthercomprises a decryption function.